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The lights of Branson — and a little trout fishing

Hello, everyone. Where has the year gone? Can you believe its almost Christmas?Lots of families are taking the drive up to Branson, Mo., to check out all the cool lights, and do a little shopping while they are there.For all you guys out there that hate to shop, here's an idea. While the ladies are shopping, head over Taneycomo River and do some trout fishing. I recently filmed a show there. I spent the day on the water with my longtime friend, retired professional angler John Sappington.Now, John is no stranger to fishing, being a past FLW Tour Cup Champion. If it swims, he knows how to catch it.Now, I know you are probably thinking you need a fly rod to go trout fishing — not so. We used ultra light ABU GARCIA Spinning tackle, spooled up No. 4 to 6 Berkley Trilene. It would be scary if you ever would want to see me try to use a fly rod.The technique we used was a Carolina rig jerk bait because of the faster moving current positioning the trout real close the bottom. The Carolina rig kept the bait in constant contact with the bottom. With the good quality graphite rods we used, you could feel the bait bumping along the bottom. Then, all of the sudden, you would feel the rod shake in our hands — and the fight was on.It was a good day on the water, and we ended the show with a nice 20-inch rainbow trout. So, next time you are in the Branson area, give John a call or look him up the Web at www.fishingguidebranson.com. No need to bring anything, just get in the boat.— — —Well, I have exciting news for all my friends and fans of my show, “Hooked on Fishin'.” Beginning this Saturday, my show will move From Fox24 to KFSM Channel 5, airing at 5:30 a.m. Saturdays and 6:30 a.m. Sundays.— — —To make contact with Mark, go to Facebook or e-mail him at markg@pinncom.com.